Resiliency and Adjustment in Times of Crisis, the Case of the Greek Economic Crisis from a Psycho-social and Community Perspective

The 2009 economic crisis in Greece had harsh implications on the Greek society. The crisis led to high and increasing unemployment rates, which previously found to relate to increases in suicide rates, health risking behaviors and increased risk of mental health problems. The public’s perceptions regarding the consequences of the crisis are crucial to their recovery. In order to get a comprehensive and thorough view of the public’s perceptions, which will allow to draw conclusions and recommendations for a possible effective intervention program, the current study assessed the perceptions of a representative sample of the Greek adult population (N = 3002) in three sampling waves: December 2011, March 2011 and November 2012. These assessments included questionnaires designed to evaluate perceptions of current quality of life, economic decline, coping with economic and occupational commitments, physical and psychological health, wellbeing, health related behaviors, attitudes towards emigration, sources of support and political and social trust. Findings showed significantly higher perceptions of financial uncertainty and difficulties coping with economic commitments. Participants generally rated their psychological health lower than their physical health. Trust ratings were also found to be generally low, especially for younger populations. Younger populations also showed a more willing attitude towards emigrating out of Greece, compared to older populations. Coping measurements revealed a strong possible tendency to go back to the traditional ties of confidence and trust in family and friends as sources of support. In light of the results, we recommend to build programs that see the family and the local community as a resources of resilience and coping.